Struggling with writing?, Excellence in Learning at DCU
ExL@DCU
Let’s start with the sentence: keeping it simpleIn this introductory unit it is useful to start with the basics and consider the fundamental unit in writing: the sentence. The secret to writing a good sentence is to keep it simple. Many students think that the use of complicated sentence structure will lend gravity to their work. Instead, more often than not, this makes their writing difficult to read. Listen to the audio clip ‘Tricks of the Writer’s
Trade’ at: http://www.palgrave.com/skills4study/mp3s.asp#tricks
This audio explores some straightforward methods of constructing your writing in a clear, engaging manner to convey your meaning as directly as possible.
Grammar and punctuationMany students equate ‘good writing’ with having a good knowledge of grammar and punctuation. Many consider the formal structures of written English to be their main stumbling blocks in writing a good assignment. While there is no doubting the importance of good grammar and punctuation, successful writing involves much more than this. If you work through the units on writing in this resource you will gain an understanding of what is required and what is involved in the process of completing written assignments. It will become easier for you to address more formal issues of grammar and punctuation. Resources in this regard are provided in the unit, ‘Questioning the answer: content, balance, style and grammar’. |
